Chikungunya Fever

Some information on a growing but controllable problem in Chennai. Here are the facts:

Chikungunya Fever is a viral disease that is transmitted by daytime biting mosquitoes. It is rarely fatal. It causes a high fever and headache which is sometimes accompanied by joint pain and skin rashes. Cases of this disease are increasing within India and there are now more than 1 million (11,09,033) reported mainly in Maharashtra, Andra Pradesh and Karnataka. It is likely that the numbers of cases will continue to increase due to the rainy season being the peak time of the year for mosquitoes to breed.

If you do not get bitten by mosquitoes you will not get this disease. To avoid being bitten take the normal precautionary measures;
Avoid mosquito infested areas
Wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and hats when outdoors.
Use insect repellents containing DEET
Use screening or bed netting in sleeping areas
Use non toxic mosquito sprays in indoor areas
Prevent water accumulation around home, site or office areas
Cover water storage tanks
Use mosquito chemical fogging control for large tank and building basement areas

If you take the measures above you will also protect against other mosquito borne diseases such as;
Malaria
Japanese Encephalitis
Dengue Fever
Lymphatic Filariasis

If you suspect that you may have any mosquito borne disease then please seek assistance from a Medical Practitioner. Take all preventive measures to avoid being bitten further by mosquitoes and therefore preventing further spread of the disease.